Joseph's Letter to Thom: Peace Shall Destroy Many

In chapter 12, Thom reads Joseph Dueck's letter to him aloud to Margaret. The letter explores many of the themes present throughout the novel, particularly skepticism and pacifism. Joseph tells Thom about an event in which "a whiskery man came in and began talking to the man on the first bunk" (Wiebe 161). The man eventually goes over to Joseph and asks, “‘Brother, are you saved?’” (Wiebe 161). Joseph then goes onto explore the important theme of differences between Mennonites and other Christians. Joseph states, “Our tradition is made more obvious by being in opposition to that of the majority. I am convinced that their position is contrary to Christ’s teaching, but am not sure that ours is very much better” (Wiebe 161). Joseph’s statement is a seminal one in Wiebe’s exploration of Mennonites and the way they encounter the world around them, specifically in the context of war. Throughout the novel, Wiebe explores what it means to be a Christian, and although this passage does not answer that question, it forces both the reader and Thom to consider  The novel as a piece of Mennonite literature asks Mennonite readers to explore their own assumptions and beliefs about what being a Mennonite Christian is. 

As passage I found that further explores this theme, and acts as a juxtaposition to Joseph’s letter is Pete Block’s discussion of who can be included in the church in chapter 14. The letter illustrates that Mennonites feel like outsiders in the world, or “in opposition to that of the majority,” but at the same time, Pete Block in insistent that there are certain groups of people that are not allowed in the church. He states:

It also says we are to remain separated from the world...You know that the Mackenzies and the Labrets just could not join our church. It’s impossible...Instead of them caring nothing, as they do now, your doing their all the time, maybe even helping them to believe they’re Christians, would only show up the difference between them and us so much more clearly. Only bitter feelings could come of it. And we’ve live peacefully beside them for many years. (Weibe 195). 

This passage is an interesting contrast to Joseph’s letter. While Joseph explains what peace means to their church and how other Christians view them, Block reveals his racism and desire for isolation. The language barriers and differences in lifestyle are references as excuses for this prejudice, which Thom protests. Through these discussion, Wiebe brings up important questions the Mennonite church is still grappling with: what does it mean to be “not of this world”?